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Skiesmdb
Known Participant
July 22, 2018
Question

Can’t snap line edges, can't make arrays.

  • July 22, 2018
  • 2 replies
  • 2220 views

I can’t snap line edges.

Wouldn't be a problem if I could change the alignment of a stroke (inside-outside, like is possible in Photoshop), but I can't.

The result is that I have to manually move and resize the lines if I need to change the thickness.

And it is never perfect because I can't snap.

( If I convert the lines to shapes, I can not change the curves of the line anymore so I still can't snap, and also I can't change the thickness anymore. )

Also making arrays (mirroring identical instances and easily editing them by double clicking on 1 of them like in for example SketchUp) is not possible.

I understand that the only way to use identical instances of a shape is to drop it in the CC library, and pull it out again.

But that sucks big time and brings along a giant mountain of trouble and CRAP once you want to make outlines and Pathfinder 'Minus front' the shapes to get the final image.

Am I using the wrong software?

This topic has been closed for replies.

2 replies

aTomician
aTomician
Inspiring
July 23, 2018

Skiesmdb​ - what version of Illy are you using?

If I understand you correctly, all the things you ask for are possible in most of the latest versions, ie last few years?

When you create an object like the rectangle below, you can click on "Stroke" at the top and change the alignment of the stroke ("Align Stroke") and  can change that from centre to inside or outside.

Snapping to pixel grid can be turned on or off.  Top right hand corner there is a button like below.

If you want to use smart guides and snapping, go to Edit > Preferences > Smart Guides and turn Alignment guides on or off.  These are usually turned on by default though.

When you talk about making arrays, do you mean groups of objects and layers?  If so, use the select tool (V) to select any objects you want - you can use SHIFT + Click to select multiple or click and drag - and then press CTRL + G.  This will turn the layers into their own group in the layers panel.  If you can't see the layers panel, you can get to it by going to Window > Layers or pressing F7.  Once you have a group you can ALT + click & drag the group to create a new group.

I don't think you're using the wrong software - try checking out these features and then telling us how you got on - if it didn't answer the questions let us know why and we can help you further.  Illy is so nice to use once you know the shortcuts.

Regards, aTomician
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SkiesmdbAuthor
Known Participant
July 23, 2018

@Jacob:

Unfortunately the stroke doesn't maintain position if alignment was set to outside or inside.
Your trick is a bit complex, but thanks

@Tomy:

Thanks, but when a shape is not closed, the alignment of the stroke moves to the center (with that, changing the composition). Align stroke only works with closed shapes (latest version 22.1).

With arrays I mean that I can duplicate a shape, and when editing, all duplicates change. I will give Symbols as mentioned by Jacob a try.

aTomician
aTomician
Inspiring
July 23, 2018

Ah I see, I didn't quite understand before.

Regards the arrays, an alternative way is to save the item down that you want to use as a group, then import it into your artwork using File > Place.  Just tested, and it does work, however I don't know if it will give you the same problems as using the CC import will?  You won't be able to edit directly in your artwork without breaking link, but you can open the original file and edit that and the changes will sync through.  Just a thought, may not be any use.

Regards, aTomician
Jacob Bugge
Community Expert
Jacob BuggeCommunity Expert
Community Expert
July 22, 2018

Skiesmdb,

Wouldn't be a problem if I could change the alignment of a stroke

What happens if you close the path (Ctrl/Cmd+J, then align to the inside and snap, then delete the closing segment?

I understand that the only way to use identical instances of a shape is to drop it in the CC library, and pull it out again.

How about Symbols?

Search results

Or in some cases (maybe other than this one), you may consider Effect>Distort&Transform>Transform (maybe applied multiple times).

S
SkiesmdbAuthor
Known Participant
July 22, 2018
What happens if you close the path (Ctrl/Cmd+J, then align to the inside and snap, then delete the closing segment?

The align jumps back to center of the path line. (Yes, am am not joking)

How about Symbols?

Search results

I will give that a try, thank you.

Jacob Bugge
Community Expert
Jacob BuggeCommunity Expert
Community Expert
July 22, 2018

Skiesmdb,

The align jumps back to center of the path line. (Yes, am am not joking)

If it only jumps back after you delete the closing segment, I believe the position of the stroke edge should be maintained.

But there may be another way, maybe too silly:

1) Select the stroked path and Ctrl/Cmd+C+F, then Object>Path>Outline Stroke, then switch from Fill to a thin Stroke (so you can see what you are doing without its disturbing the appearance too much), then Direct Select and delete each of the end segments so you have two guide paths following the stroke edges, then also select the original (thick) stroked path and Ctrl/Cmd+G to Group them;

2) After deselecting, ClickDrag the Group by the relevant guide path end Anchor Point to snap to the edge of the background path where you want it;

You may hide/delete the guide paths at any time after the snapping, and you may combine this with the creation of one or more Symbols.

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